Young speeders blame peer pressure

A third of young drivers in the capital who speed do so because of peer pressure, according to new research from Transport for London.

According to the research, released in support of TfL’s ongoing campaign to raise awareness of the consequences of illegal driving, 31 per cent of 17 to 25 year olds ‘put their foot down’ after being encouraged by friends. The figures suggest this behaviour is more common in amongst young men than young women.

TfL says young drivers account for 18 per cent of all collisions despite making up just 8 per cent of the capital’s drivers.
Although 70 per cent of young male drivers say their car is important to their day-to-day lifestyle, 32 per cent admit to driving faster to impress a passenger or onlooker.

Chris Lines, Head of the London Road Safety Unit at TfL, said: ‘What’s really clear from this research is the extent to which many young Londoners value their driving licence. For many people, being able to drive a car represents freedom, independence, self-reliance and fun. However, many people risk losing their licence by speeding to impress friends. The message we’re putting out with this campaign is simple: if you really value your driving licence, don’t risk it by driving recklessly.’